C.R. Kernels’ Michael Cederoth showing off his chops as a reliever again

CEDAR RAPIDS — Michael Cederoth is a reliever again. It's permanent, and it appears to be good.

The parent Minnesota Twins saw his big arm and big stuff and tried him as a starter. It was worth the gamble.

But it's full-time bullpen now for the Cedar Rapids Kernels pitcher.

'I love it,' Cederoth said, after throwing a perfect inning in C.R.'s 5-3 loss Tuesday night to Beloit at Veterans Memorial Stadium. 'Every single game, I'm potentially going to play. I love it that way. It was an honor that they wanted me to be a starter. Now, obviously, they see me as a bullpen guy, so I'm going to do my best to show them what I've got.'

Cederoth, 23, was a closer at San Diego State, tying the school record for saves in 2014. The Twins selected him in the third round of the draft that summer, saw his 6-foot-6 frame, his mid-90s fastball and lethal slider and converted him to starter.

He made six starts last season for the Kernels before heading back to the bullpen and eventually going on the disabled list for the rest of the season in early June with an undisclosed illness he has never wanted to discuss publicly. An intercostal strain incurred in spring training put him on the disabled list to begin this season, but he's back and posting zeroes.

Cederoth has thrown 4 1/3 innings, allowing one hit and striking out eight.

'I'm definitely proud of the fact that I'm healthy again and back on the mound,' Cederoth said. 'I've been making adjustments than I haven't in the past. That's what I'm most happy about. I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing every day and letting the stats take care of themselves.'

'As a starter, I think he tried to think 'I've got to save something,' instead of doing (the things) why we thought he was a starter. Being aggressive and going after people,' Kernels Manager Jake Mauer said. 'I think he understands now that he's only got to get three or six outs, maybe he's a little more comfortable doing that. His stuff is good. He's got some funk to him. I wouldn't want to face him, I'll tell you that. It's hard picking (the ball) up against him, and he doesn't know where it's going all the time. That makes you a little uneasy stepping in that batter's box.'

The Kernels (20-17) fell behind early, 3-0, and never quite caught up in losing the opener of this two-game series. The teams play again Wednesday night at 6:35.

Starting pitcher Cody Stashak (2-3) took the loss, peculiarly giving up five straight singles and three runs in the second inning after J.J. Fernandez replaced injured Brian Olson at catcher. Olson took a foul tip off his right thumb and was scheduled for x-rays.

Cedar Rapids and the Twins announced prior to the game that utility man Rafael Valera was being placed on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Right-handed pitcher Williams Ramirez was sent from extended to replace him on the roster.

Another pitching move will be made at some point this week, as right-hander Fernando Romero also has arrived in town and will be activated. He missed last season after having Tommy John surgery.

Starting pitcher Andro Cutura was placed on the DL with a nerve issue in his right elbow that forced him to leave his previous start this past weekend after two innings.

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